The Archives

Civil Defense

Saturday, March 30, 2013

On this date in 1952, the United States was involved in the Korean War, and tensions from the Cold War were rising all across the country.

In Bismarck, Civil Defense officials put out a call in the Bismarck Tribune for 150 men to train into service as firemen, “in case of a bombing attack or other disaster strikes the city.”

Classes would start as soon as enough men volunteered—they would be taught 30 at a time.

E.L. Overland, co-chairing the auxiliary fire and police committees, said that “Regardless of whether Bismarck is ever attacked or not, the formation of an auxiliary fire fighting force is a ‘must’ for the protection of the city as a reserve for the regular fireman.”

Dakota Datebook written by Sarah Walker.

Sources:

The Bismarck Tribune, Thursday, April 3, 1952

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